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Firecracker permits on the rise this year

Dec 20, 2012 (The Honolulu Star-Advertiser - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Oahu residents with a penchant for pyrotechnics might set off more firecrackers this New Year's Eve than last if fireworks permit sales are any indication.

"It looks like the pace is going to exceed last year," Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said Monday of permit sales. "We're prepared. We have enough permits printed up."
As of Monday, 2,495 permits had been sold, compared with 2,040 permits sold at that date a year ago.

Overall, the city sold 8,656 firecracker permits for New Year's Eve 2011 and 10,008 in 2010.

Friday is the last day to buy fireworks permits, which cost $25 each. A permit allows a person to buy up to 5,000 firecrackers. There is no limit on the number of permits a person can buy. Permits are available at all satellite city halls.

Last year was the first New Year's Eve under a new Oahu ban on all fireworks except for firecrackers. Fountains, sparklers and other novelty fireworks are no longer legal.

"The HPD reminds the public that only firecrackers with permits are allowed, and all other fireworks are illegal," police said in a news release. "Officers will be conducting enforcement and may ask to see permits. Violators will be subject to citation or arrest."
Firecrackers go on sale Dec. 26 and can be sold until midnight Dec. 31.